2019 Toyota Prius C Review

2019 Toyota Prius C Review - Back in 2012, whenever a gallon of 87 octane topped $3.60, the Toyota Prius C was a wise addition to the Japanese automaker’s lineup. Constructing to the fuel-efficient concepts with the Prius gasoline/electric hybrid model line, the Yaris-based Prius C advertised a combined 50 mpg EPA estimate within a sub-$20,000 package-that was 17 mpg better compared to the most productive Yaris in the time, albeit at a selling price virtually $5000 dearer than that of Toyota’s entry-level model.

A half-dozen many years later on, though, the Prius C comes across like a significantly less compelling option. Together with the national average for any gallon of gasoline at nicely underneath $2.60, the littlest Prius lacks the cost-conscious appeal it after had. Adding insult to damage, Toyota’s smallest hybrid motor vehicle is no longer as low-cost and will no longer tout that 50-mpg figure-mostly because the EPA implemented tougher fuel-economy testing tips. Having a starting value of $21,525, the Prius C now bears an EPA-estimated combined fuel-economy figure of 46 mpg

2019 Toyota Prius C Review

The Prius C relies about the identical powertrain as it did in 2012. Consisting of a 1.5-liter inline-four along with a pair of AC motor/generators, the Prius C’s hybrid procedure musters a combined 99 horsepower and drives the front wheels by way of an electronically controlled constantly variable automatic transmission (CVT). As in Toyota’s other hybrid autos, the smaller sized of its two electrical motors sets the drive ratio to convey the combustion engine’s grunt on the ground. Meanwhile, the greater second motor is geared right towards the final-drive differential and supplies propulsion, together with electrical power regenerated in the course of deceleration.

Electricity is supplied for the two motors courtesy of the 0.9-kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery pack mounted below the rear seat, and an EV mode makes it possible for the Prius C to travel on electrical energy alone for as much as a mile at lower speeds, offered the operator has an exceedingly light correct foot.

Despite its slim 2644-pound curb weight, the Prius C is downright slow. The a single we examined necessary a glacial eleven.4 seconds to amble from zero to 60 mph and 18.2 seconds to cross the quarter-mile mark at 75 mph. Its lethargy is exacerbated from the CVT, which leads to the engine to drone in creating quite possibly the most in the meager 73 horses the inline-four creates at 4800 rpm. A small bit of solace comes from the immediacy of the electric motors’ 125 lb-ft of torque, together with the Prius C going from zero to thirty mph within a affordable sufficient three.3 seconds.

Boot the accelerator pedal at velocity, however, as well as Prius C moves together with the alacrity of the three-toed sloth. Getting from 50 to 70 mph takes eight.three seconds, or 0.four second longer than a CVT-equipped, three-cylinder Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback. The $15,490 Mitsubishi also manages to match the hybrid Toyota’s 43-mpg highway EPA estimate, a figure this Prius C test car equaled on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy check.

We averaged a mere 36 mpg general in the Prius C in excess of a lot more than 550 miles of mixed use-that’s ten mpg worse compared to the EPA’s combined rating and three mpg worse than we received in a 2012 check of the Prius C that weighed 47 pounds much less (and was 0.five second faster to 60 mph). Our observed fuel economy was also no improved than what we recorded for an automatic-equipped Toyota Yaris iA (née Scion iA). Additionally, the iA was the two faster and much more satisfying to drive than the Prius C thanks to the Mazda-based sedan’s engaging dynamics, feelsome steering, and clairvoyant six-speed automated transmission.

2019 Toyota Prius C Review - Features:

The Prius C earns kudos for its brake pedal’s truly feel and modulation, which nicely blends regenerative and mechanical braking functions. In collaboration with its 15-inch Goodyear Assurance all-season tires, this Prius C stopped from 70 mph in 173 feet, twelve feet shorter than each a Yaris hatchback as well as Yaris iA sedan. Weather conditions precluded our normal 300-foot skidpad test, but the final Prius C we puttered all around it recorded a modest 0.79 g of grip.

Crossing Above

In contrast to its mechanical bits, the exterior of the Prius C transformed considerably for 2018, trading its outdated wares for fresh and handsome crossover-SUV-inspired appears. Black wheel arches surround new eight-spoke wheels, whilst roof rails and new front- and rear-end treatments with faux skid plates give the Prius C a extra rough-and-tumble mien. Redesigned LED head- and taillights include a hint of modernity on the aging hatchback.

Within, the Prius C welcomes additional piano-black plastic pieces around the dashboard as well as steering wheel. The smudge-friendly surfaces complement typical capabilities this kind of as automatic climate manage, a six.1-inch touchscreen infotainment procedure, and also a steering wheel with integrated audio and Bluetooth controls. The ergonomically troubling center-mounted instrument cluster carries over, though, and also the dashboard and door panels carry on for being crafted from tough, low-rent plastic pieces.

The interior is remarkably roomy offered the Prius C’s little footprint, and also the rear legroom even tops that with the greater Prius. The Prius C also presents a Honda Fit-matching 17 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in location. A folding rear seat is typical.

2019 Toyota Prius C Review - News:

Other Prius C merits include standard safety objects this kind of as automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automated high-beam headlamps. Finding ease objects such as cruise management, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and also a cargo cover calls for investing $22,325 around the pricier Prius C Two trim (the $21,525 Prius C One serves as the entry-level model).

A proximity crucial with push-button start out along with a navigation program are grouped to the $23,750 Prius C 3, even though the top-of-the-line $25,860 Prius C 4 consists of LED fog lights, a sunroof, faux-leather trimmed seats, and heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. Our Prius C 4 test auto also featured a $395 coat of Tangerine Splash Pearl paint and $224 worth of carpeted floor mats to carry its as-tested value as much as $26,479-that’s $419 more than a well-equipped non-C Toyota Prius Two Eco, a model that is rated by the EPA at 58 mpg within the city and 53 mpg over the highway. The bigger and quicker senior Prius gives eight cubic feet of further cargo area, as well.

There was a brief time once the Prius C had a goal in Toyota’s lineup. Having said that, its greater Prius stablemate has given that undergone substantial improvements and seems to represent a better value. This junior edition is much less exciting to drive than standard subcompact designs and offers insufficient fuel economy to offset that deficit. It is not your very best option no matter if you are scoring it as a hybrid or being a subcompact hatchback.